Obituaries

Laurie Ann (Phelps) Janing, age 57, passed away peacefully in her sleep on August 25, 2020 from Hypertension Cardiovascular Disease. She was born in Three Rivers, November 4, 1963 to James (Jim) and Joyce Mae Phelps. Laurie, aka “sweetheart,” graduated from Three Rivers High School in 1981. Afterward, she devoted her life to being a great mother and homemaker, as …

Caroline V. (Schwartz) Bivvins, age 87, of Colon, passed away Tuesday, Sept. 22, 2020, at her home. Caroline was born June 24, 1933, in Monroe, Ind., a daughter of the late Samuel L. and Anne (Eicher) Schwartz. Caroline had lived in Indiana early in life, moving to Michigan in 1962. On Oct. 26, 1952, she married Melvin B. Schwartz. He …

Erwin Lee Shannon, age 79, of Leonidas, passed away Monday, September 21, 2020 at his home. Cremation has taken place and there are no services planned at this time. Arrangements by Schipper Funeral Home.

Michael Dean Hunter, Sr., age 68 of rural Fulton, died Tuesday, Sep. 22, 2020 at home surrounded by his family. He was born in Battle Creek on July 8, 1952 the son of Richard Lee and Helen Rosemary (Robinson) Hunter. He attended Athens High School before enlisting in the US Army and served in Viet Nam. He was married to …

Brenda Joy (Hill) Henney, age 76, passed away on Thursday, September 17, 2020, in San Antonio, while under Hospice Care surrounded by her loving family. Her life from the start was about traveling and serving others. She was born in Bradenton, Fla., to Bill and Ophelia (Dannelley) Hill and grew up in Burr Oak. Brenda was always proud of being …

Michael D. Gingerich, age 59, of Colon, passed away Monday, September 21, 2020 at Medilodge of Marshall. Michael was born on July 1, 1961 in Pryor, Oklahoma, a son to Leroy Gingerich and Sue Cole.  He graduated from Colon High School with the class of 1979 and would live all of his adult life in the Colon area. Michael also …

Mary Jane Hamminga, age 84, of rural Three Rivers, died on Saturday, Sept. 19, 2020 at Rose Arbor Hospice in Kalamazoo. She was born in Mendon Township on June 30, 1936 the daughter of Carl and Fern (Rishel) Huckendubler and was a lifetime resident of Mendon. She attended Canada Corners Country School and graduated from Mendon High School in 1954. …

Edwina (Brown) Foster was born June 2, 1940, in Ponchatoula, Louisiana to the late James Brown and Zola (Andrews) Washington. She was affectionally known as “Eddie” to many of her close friends. A Certified Nurse’s Aide, Edwina worked at various nursing homes. She loved spending time with her family and especially loved attending and being part of her church. She was a …

James “Dan” Clark, age 58, of Fish Lake, Sturgis, passed away on Friday, September 18, 2020 at his home.  Dan was born in Three Rivers on February 18, 1962, a son of James and Willa Mae “Toots” (Parker) Clark.  He attended Centreville Schools, graduating in 1981. On September 18, 1982, he married Sherrie Pokorny in Three Rivers.  Dan worked for …

Harold Lee Tilford, Sr., age 91, of Three Rivers, passed away on Friday, September 18, 2020 at his home. He was born in Clinton, IN on April 25, 1929, a son of George and Vira (Gilbert) Tilford. On May 17, 1952, he married Jeanette “Jean” Maggert in Elkhart. Harold worked as Department Manager at Syndicate Systems in Middlebury, retiring in …